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Life Reset After 50: Your Guide to Starting Fresh

If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that life after 50 is full of change.

Whether it’s retirement, the kids moving out, a relationship ending, or simply feeling the pull for a life reset, this stage can feel like uncharted territory.

Research even shows that midlife is a time of significant growth, where people have the chance to realign with what truly matters to them.

I remember when my son left for university. It felt like my whole world shifted. Suddenly, there was all this space, and I wasn’t sure how to fill it.

But as time went on, I realized this wasn’t the end. It was the start of something new.

Research by psychologist Margie E. Lachman emphasizes how important our sense of control is during this time. Her studies show that our beliefs about control can have a lasting impact on our health and even our longevity. This highlights the power of acknowledging both our strengths and limitations as we navigate these changes.

This is your opportunity to hit the reset button, realign with what matters most to you, and create a future that truly reflects who you are now.

Change isn’t always easy, but it’s full of possibilities. You don’t have to figure it all out at once, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone.

I’m here to help guide you through this transition with a simple, 4-step process that’s easy to follow.

Whether you’re navigating a major life event or just feeling ready for a fresh start, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence to step into the next chapter of your life.

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Step 1: Evaluate – Understanding Where You Are and What You Want

Before we make any big moves, it’s important to pause and evaluate where you are in life.

Think of this as a personal inventory.

After 50, your priorities may have shifted. What mattered to you 10 or 20 years ago might not feel as important now.

That’s okay!

The goal here is to understand what feels right for you today, in this moment.

How to Evaluate Your Life:

  1. Ask yourself the tough questions:
    Take some quiet time to reflect on these:
    • What changes have I gone through recently?
    • What feels fulfilling in my life? What feels draining or unaligned?
    • If I had no limitations, what would I want my life to look like right now?
  2. Get clear on your values:
    What matters most to you at this stage in your life? Maybe it’s health, relationships, personal growth, or financial stability. This clarity will guide the rest of your reset journey.
  3. Identify what needs to change:
    Where do you feel stuck? What areas of your life are crying out for attention? It could be your physical health, emotional well-being, social connections, or even your career or financial health. Write it all down—it helps to see it in black and white.

When my kids left home, I realized how much of my identity had been tied to being a mom. Suddenly, there was all this space in my life, and it felt overwhelming at first. But taking time to reflect on what I truly wanted helped me see things clearly and find my footing again. It wasn’t about doing everything all at once, but about being intentional with what came next.

Step 2: Plan – Creating a Roadmap for Your Future

Once you’ve evaluated where you are and what matters to you, the next step is to create a plan.

This doesn’t mean making a rigid schedule or expecting a complete transformation overnight.

Instead, set clear, realistic goals that align with your values and desires. The key here is intention. Moving forward with purpose rather than just letting life happen to you.

How to Create a Plan for Your Life Reset:

  1. Pick your focus area:
    What’s the one area of your life that, if you made changes, would have the biggest impact? Is it your health, financial situation, relationships, or personal development? Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Choose one area to start with and build from there.
  2. Set SMART goals:
    You’ve probably heard this before, but it works. Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” try, “I will walk for 30 minutes, five days a week for the next month.” Or instead of “I need to save money,” try, “I will save $100 a month for the next three months by cutting back on dining out.”
  3. Create a timeline:
    Break your plan into manageable chunks. What can you accomplish in the next 3 months? 6 months? A year? Having a timeline helps you stay on track and gives you a sense of progress.
  4. Be flexible:
    Life happens, and sometimes plans need to be adjusted. That’s okay! The important thing is to stay committed to your overall vision, even if the path changes.


When I started my reset journey, I made a simple, achievable plan. I focused on my health first—committing to daily walks and eating more mindfully. I didn’t try to make drastic changes. Instead, making small, steady improvements that I could stick to.

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Step 3: Create – Designing Habits and Routines That Support Your Goals

With your plan in place, it’s time to bring it to life. The best way to do this is by creating routines and habits that support your goals.

Routines provide structure and consistency, especially during times of change.

Think of your new habits as the building blocks of your future life. Small, daily actions that help you move closer to your vision.

How to Create Supportive Habits and Routines:

  1. Start small:
    It’s tempting to want to change everything at once, but that’s a recipe for burnout. Focus on one or two key habits at a time. If you’re working on your health, for example, start with something simple like adding a daily walk to your routine.
  2. Create a morning and evening routine:
    Routines help set the tone for the day and unwind in the evening. Your morning routine might include a few minutes of meditation, a quick stretch, or a healthy breakfast. In the evening, create a wind-down routine that helps you relax—maybe it’s journaling or a cup of herbal tea before bed.
  3. Check in regularly:
    Make time each week to reflect on your progress. What’s working? What needs to be adjusted? This regular check-in keeps you aligned with your goals and allows for flexibility.
  4. Incorporate self-care:
    Taking care of yourself is essential to resetting your life. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, whether that’s physical self-care (like exercise or skincare), mental self-care (like journaling or meditation), or emotional self-care (like connecting with loved ones).


My morning routine has been a game-changer for me. It’s simple really. I start my day off with an hour of meditation, a 30 minute outdoor walk, and setting an intention for the day. It helps me start each day with clarity and focus, which keeps me on track with my goals.

Step 4: Implement – Take Action and Adjust as Needed

Now it’s time to take action. This is where all your evaluation, planning, and creating come together.

No perfection, necessary!

Starting over is a journey, and it’s okay to make mistakes or course-correct along the way.

The most important thing is that you’re taking steps forward.

How to Implement Your Life Reset:

  1. Take the first step:
    Pick one thing from your plan and do it today. It could be as simple as going for a walk, signing up for a class, or making a phone call. The key is to start, even if it’s small.
  2. Stay flexible:
    Life is unpredictable, and your plan might need to change as you go. That’s okay! Stay committed to your vision, but be open to adjusting your goals or routines if needed.
  3. Track your progress:
    Keep a journal or checklist to track your goals and routines. This not only helps you stay accountable but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you check things off.
  4. Celebrate your wins:
    Don’t wait until you’ve achieved everything to celebrate! Every step forward is worth acknowledging. Whether it’s sticking to a routine for a week or hitting a financial milestone, take time to recognize your progress.


When I started implementing my health goals, I made sure to celebrate every little win. Whether it was completing a full week of walks or making a healthy choice at dinner, acknowledging those small victories kept me motivated to keep going.

Conclusion:

Starting over after 50 isn’t wiping the slate clean. By building on the wisdom and experiences you’ve gained, you can create a life that feels truly aligned with who you are today.

By following this 4-step guide—evaluating, planning, creating, and implementing—you’re setting yourself up for a future filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

This is your time, and you have everything you need to make it incredible.

Take the first step today, trust the process, and remember: you’ve got this!

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8 Comments

  1. I really enjoyed this post! Life after 50 truly is full of change, and as someone navigating this stage, I can relate to the sense of shifts and new beginnings. It’s inspiring to see research affirming the importance of finding control and purpose during this time.

  2. I’m absolutely ready to make my 50’s and on the best they can be. I have been evaluating what I want it all to look like. This year will bring big change for me/us so although scary and exciting, I’m ready. And my word of the year for 2025 is RESET. So this was perfect for me to read today.

  3. Such a great reminder! Starting over is about building on experience, not starting from zero. This 4-step guide sounds like a solid plan for a fulfilling future!